Building future relations with Europe

Membership of the Single Market and Customs Union will mitigate the damaging effects of Brexit, External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop has said ahead of visiting Brussels.

Following the publication of Scotland’s Place in Europe:People, Jobs and Investment the Cabinet Secretary will meet MEPs and EU ambassadors in Brussels to set out the Scottish Government’s position on Brexit.

She said:

“We have been clear that leaving the EU will be damaging to our economy and our report published last week highlighted the stark effects Brexit will have on Scotland.

“Membership of both the European Single Market and Customs Union is essential to minimise the impact on both Scotland and the UK’s economy.

“In addition to the continued economic benefits of being part of the Single Market and Customs Union, it will also allow us to continue to collaborate on a range of policies including security, law enforcement and energy markets.

“That is why the Scottish Government will continue to build relationships with Europe and seek to influence negotiations in the coming months to protect Scotland’s interests.”